Ben
K. O'Dell went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. He
was born June 19, 1929, to the late Gertrude (nee Ryan) and Ben O'Dell
in Greeley, Iowa, on the family farm where he was raised with a very
strong work ethic.

A graduate of Cornell College of Mount Vernon, Iowa, he was a member
of the college's 1947 NCAA championship wrestling team, which was
inducted into the state and national halls of fame. He was a captain in
the U.S. Marine Corps who served during the Korean conflict.

He was the beloved husband of 61 years to Betty (nee Sweany); loving
father of Michael (Kathryn) O'Dell, Patty (Steve) Dankert, David (Carol)
O'Dell and Rob (Jeannine) O'Dell. He was the devoted grandfather of
Sean, Casey and William, Ryan and Becky, Brian, Beth, Tim and Benjamin,
Dan and Calvin; and proud great-grandfather of 10. Several nieces and
nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

A former resident of Waukesha and Wheaton, Ill., Ben was a retired
business owner and salesman extraordinaire. He truly was a people person
who was passionate about life, his family and accepting Jesus Christ as
his Lord and savior in 1970.

All friends and relatives are invited to Minooka Bible Church, 412 N.
Wabena St., Minooka, Ill., on Friday, Sept. 21, where a memorial service
will begin at 10 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National
Cemetery, Elwood, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Child Evangelism
Fellowship would be appreciated.